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Ask HN: Does dieting impact your productivity?
New year, new commitments.
I've been loosing weight successfully in the past but I have the impression it impacts my productivity and my mood: I get tired, I have low energy, even lethargic.
I want to remove the excess kgs again in next 6 months and would love to hear your hacks to dieting without loosing my positive energy.
Many thanks!
- dieselgate 4y agoIn my personal experience you can eat less and maintain energy better if you get sufficient protein (caffeine helps too, though). Edit: and proper hydration is important for energy too!
- jorisboris 4y agoThanks for the feedback. What protein would you recommend, I used to binge on cashew and almond but they also contain fat? Google tells me eggs, lentils, chicken, spinach, ... is low on calories while high on protein.
- dieselgate 4y agocashews, almonds and other nuts are pretty high in fat. they're good in smaller amounts but probably not a good "staple" with weight loss in mind. In the US (and Canada?) protein powder from costco is a good deal, basically any type works - whey is common but also pea-protein is common. i personally don't eat meat so typically get protein from rice/beans, soy, wheat gluten, dairy, etc
- thghtihadanacct 4y agoThis ... and exercise. Not just for losing weight etc but just getting out and moving. Ive noticed that even when im not at my desk I am frequently still working in my head and the best way to refocus is something strenuous. I realize the question was geared to diet but everything with your person is so intimately entwined.
- jorisboris 4y agoDoing a 20 minute workout every morning. That and meditation / visualisation to set my intentions for the day. I notice if I do these two my discipline for dieting is much stronger. Would love to do more cardio (1-2 hours per day) but it just doesn't fit the schedule atm.
- NovaVeles 4y agoYeah, I'm going to be one of those folks. Intermittent fasting always worked for me. I think because it just keeps everything even or at least the hour-to-hour delta to a minimum. When you break it down into smaller meals, even if you are following the low calories through out the day, it can create a higher high/low that can swing through out the day. Your mileage may vary.
- jorisboris 4y agoI've been experimenting with One Meal A Day, at 5pm. But that's exactly what causes me to crash somewhere between 11am - 3pm
- NovaVeles 4y agoActually that would make sense. I usually eat much later 8-9pm and so that crash would come after the work day is done.
- rahuldan 4y agoTry taking cold showers, the adrenaline rush helps me get awake and be active. Plus regular exercise also helps towards a general good mood throughout the day.
- jorisboris 4y agoYes, considering stretch yoga and shower in afternoon. For cold showers, I live in Bangkok and water temperature is at minimum 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit). I wish I could take cold showers, I did an ice bath twice and it’s such a booster !
- jesuscript 4y agobut I have the impression it impacts my productivity and my mood: I get tired, I have low energy, even lethargic. You are making something come true in your head when it might not be true at all. I used to think I needed breakfast soon as I woke up. Then I went a few days without breakfast till a bit later. It was fine. What you start to believe adjusts the ceiling and floor of what you can do. Right now you've just moved that ceiling way down.
- jorisboris 4y agoI understand what you mean, and I have been trying to overcome low energy by shifting my mindset eg walking, meditation, reading, smiling, thankfulness, affirmation… still want to try shower and yoga but these requires a little more logistics. But in the end, I can’t really confirm that these actions have the same outcome as just eating a piece of chocolate cake to kickstart my tired brain. I realize by writing this I’m again creating a belief for myself.
- jesuscript 4y agoMy guess is you haven't adjusted for the diet. There is one supplement that will get you through the grogginess before it hits - Caffeine pills.
- ineedausername 4y agoYes, I skip breakfast about 4 times per week. That's it.
- jorisboris 4y agoAnd don’t you feel hungry ?
- ineedausername 4y agoI don't because I drink a ton of water, which helps a lot.
- brezelgoring 4y agoIf you are feeling that way, it might be worth it to investigate your caloric intake and macros, and adjust expectations once your diet is set to a healthy level. Can you share a bit of your diet plan, if it's not too personal? What I mean is, are you eating 1200 calories a day and near zero protein? That might explain your lack of energy. I've been known to do that before and learnt from the experience.
- jorisboris 4y agoI’m trying a combo of keto and paleo in a One Meal A Day intermittent fasting. So mostly veggies, fruit, dairy, nuts, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs. Avoiding carbs by not eating bread, pasta, rice … though not 100% (eg fruits)
- brezelgoring 4y agoThere's an adage in psychology to see if a behavior or thought is a problem - "Things are a problem if they cause problems" I'd be wary of running thematic diets if they are doing damage to your well-being, as they're known to do. While your ingredient selection seems pretty complete, I'd try taking a multivitamin for a few days to see if you're lacking some micros, and troubleshoot from there. Best of luck, jorisboris.
- pryelluw 4y agoThis is something I’d talk to a professional rather than online.
- mattpallissard 4y agoI'm not Muslim, but I participate in the fasting aspect of Ramadan every year. It absolutely impacts my energy level. Rather than try to feel normal, I just try to accept the situation and keep a good attitude about the whole thing. Works fairly well.
- jorisboris 4y agoI guess this was the kind of confirmation I was looking for. Accepting that if impacts , and keep a good attitude sounds like a good solution. Thanks!
- heresjohnny 4y agoAbsolutely! I did keto for a while: I was literally able to have productive 12+ hour days that way. Having perfectly stable blood sugar (or rather the lack of it) did wonders for my concentration. The downside: I lost too much weight, got terrible keto rash, and had constant bad breath. Also no social food events at all. I’ve since settled on a mixed diet with lots of animal protein and whole grain carbs. This is a sustainable compromise that still positively influences my ability to focus and my physical performance.
- jorisboris 4y agoSo keto actually improved your stamina ?
- heresjohnny 4y agoBehind the keyboard: yes! In the gym: definitely not. Every body is different, but mine desperately requires carbs to have an effective workout.